Aregbesola: attack on Ado Bayero a wicked act

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged the federal and state governments to partner on youth employment.

He said this would curb insurgency in the country.

Aregbesola was reacting to the attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero by gunmen.

Describing the attack as “unconscionable and sacrilegious”, he decried the “total paralysis of the social and economic activities” caused by the activities of insurgents.

The governor said the unending spate of violence has created a palpable atmosphere of fear in the nation.

In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said: “We condemn this unconscionable attack on an octogenarian, who is also a traditional ruler, in very strong terms. It is un-African and against all known religious doctrines. It should call for the concern of all patriots.

“As we condole with the emir, the people of Kano and Nigerians on the death of the emir’s guards; driver; the Interim Chairman of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Alhaji Salisu Kura and other victims of the sad and unfortunate attacks, it is important for all patriots to reflect on the atmosphere of insecurity that pervades the nation.

“While very conscious of the Federal Government’s containment programme, we must admit that containment alone of whatever nature and degree cannot solve these challenges.

“A situation where the generality of Nigerians and eminent people live in fear; where economic and social activities have been paralysed calls for the concern of all. It will amount to false confidence to assume that these crises are limited to a section of Nigeria.

“The duration of this insurgency and the intensity of its operations coupled with some manifestations all over Nigeria of some other forms of threats to national security, such as kidnapping, require a review of tactics and strategy in dealing with this abnormal condition.

“It is in this light that we urge all governments in Nigeria that an emergency should be declared on youth employment; that the Federal Government should minimally promote a policy of matching each state one to one on youth employment with a maximum of 10,000 in what we call he counterpart youth employment initiative.

“What this means is that while a state employs 10,000 youths, the Federal Government should support that state with another 10,000, creating 20,000 jobs for youths in each state.

“While these youths will be deployed in community, social and public works, this initiative should last for a minimum of five years. This, coupled with military actions, will stop youth insurgency in the country.”

Aregbesola prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the attack.